Green Bay Packers made a surprising decision in 2020 NFL Draft to trade up in the first round and select Utah’s quarterback Jordan Love. While the move set up the Packers for the future, it also made it clear for their starter and future Hall of Fame signal-caller Aaron Rodgers that his time with the franchise is coming to an end.
Rodgers recently made an appearance on The Ringer’s 10 Questions with Kyle Brandt podcast and said that he probably won’t retire as a Packer.
“I think that’s probably what happens,” said Rodgers when asked if he sees himself elsewhere in NFL. “Based on just the circumstances around everything. Just look at the facts. They traded up. They drafted him. I would say they like him, they want to play him.”
Rodgers previously believed he’ll get to spend his entire Hall of Fame-worthy career in Green Bay, and admitted that he’s now sad this won’t be the case. Still, the 36-year-old player says he isn’t “bitter” about the whole situation.
“I wanted to play my entire career in Green Bay,” he added. “I love the city. I grew up there, really, I got there when I was 21, I’m 36 now. You know, a lot changes during that time. But look, I get it. I see it completely clearly, and I’m not bitter about it. It just kind of is what it is.”
Considering that he signed a four-year extension, $134 million extension with 2018, Packers can’t move on from Aaron Rodgers for at least two more seasons. After that, it would be more manageable to release him or trade him and hand over the franchise to Love.
If he joins another team, Rodgers will follow the footsteps of QB legends like Joe Montana, Payton Manning, and now Tom Brady, who had to go elsewhere to finish their accomplished careers.
Rodgers became a starter for Green Bay in 2008 and has since led the franchise to one Super Bowl win while winning two MVP awards. He also has eight Pro Bowls and two First-team All-Pro selections.
